Frame for hand bags and like containers



Dec. 20, 1932. W EK 1,891,833

FRAME FOR HAND BAGS AND LIKE CONTAINERS Filed March 25, 1952 2 Sheets-Shut l Dec. 20, 1932'. 1.. PAWLICEK FRAME FOR HAND BAGS AND LIKE CONTAINERS Filed March 23, 1952 2 sn s t 2 Patented Deed- 20;

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1am PAWLIGEK, 0F MODLING NEAR VIENNA, AUSTRIA, ASSIGNOB. TO RABL & GR'UN, OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA, A PARTNERSHIP COMPOSED OF J'OSEF J'OLLES, ALFRED ontm AND o'rro m1. y I

rm]; non rum) BAGS Application filed March as, 1932, sci-m no.

the bag, so that the two frame webs are resilientl-y held together when the bag is closed, and the closure can be opened by merely exerting pressure against the cooperating arms, but will not come open accidentally as by dropping ori a hard surface. The frame may extend the entire height of the bag and serve as frame for the bag.

Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the frame in open condition. 1

Figs. 2 and 3 are part erspective views showing modified forms 0 construction.

.Fig. 4 is a perspective viewshowing a bag fitted with a frame in open condition.

Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4, the bag being shown in full'lines in closed condition and in dotted lines in open condition.

' Fig. 6 shows a detail in top plan view.

Fig. 7 shows amethod of fastening the frame to the bag.

Figs. 8 and 9 show each a bag in end elevation fitted with a frame.

Fig. 10 shows a detail of Fig. 9.

Figs. 11 and 12show further possibilities of construction.

In the forms of construction illustrated each frame half consists of two arms 3 and 4 extending the entire height ofthe bag, the

AND LIKE con'rnmnas 600,805, and in Austria Februar 's, 193a.

arms cross near the point of transition near .the webs and mutually hold one another. If

it is desired to open the frame or the bag, the. cooperating frame arms 3, 4 are gripped with the hand below their point of intersection, that is near the middle, and pressed the one towards the other. Owingto the leverage thus exerted the webs 6 are forced apart and the bag is partly opened. If the webs 6 are then gripped with the hand and moved further apart, the bag can be completely opened. The upper ends of the two cooperating arms may be set ofi on their opposite surfaces, so that the two arms have each a step-shaped catch 93 or r (Fig. 2) which interengage when the frame is closed. The inner arms 3 may also each be provided with a catch 1' and the outer arms 4 with a corresponding enlargement 70 (Fig. 3). The enlargement 70 forms a kind of ramp surface when closing the frame, said surface slightly spreading the arms during the closing movement, so that the outer arms snap into the catches in the inner arms under stronger spring action.

The cooperating arms 3,4 may, for the same purpose, each be rovided with a kink or bent out portion 7 ig. 6) instead of the steps 7' 15.

The bag (Figs. 4 to 6) consists in known manner of two walls forming the sides and bottom and united. on the narrow sides by gussets to complete the bag shape. The frame is so'arranged, that the hinge oint lies on the bottom of the bag. The we s 6 are fixed to the upper edge of the bag walls 1.

The bag is closed and opened in the manner described in connection with Fig. 1. When passing from the open position (Fig. 4) into the closed position (Fig. 5), the bag is gripped at the portion carrying the webs 6 or laterally thereof at the upper ends of the 100 arms 3, 4 and pressed together whereby the 7 frames are closed.

It is only necessary to exert .pressure on the middle of the arms in order to disengage the fastening and open the bag.

The webs 6. may project from the walls of the bag and be shaped so as to form an angular, circular or curved handle. The walls of the bag may also surround the webs 6 only at separate points or only near the gussets 2,

whereas the-webs project from the bag walls or extend along these Walls.

According to Fig. 7 sleeves 8 are slipped over the webs 6. These sleeves are provided with straight bars 8 to which the upper edge portions of the bag walls 1 are sewn. Each.

sleeve 8 may conslst of several part sleeves between which free sections are left.

The frame arms may be of any desired cross section, for example they may consist of round or flat bars. However, the middle portion of the armslis preferably flattened also when using round bars, so that the two According to Fig. 8 the two arms 3 and 4 of one side gusset are of unequal length, the arm 4' for example being extended at an intermediate point within the range of the other arms 3 so that the hinge point 5 which is then arranged laterally connects a short arm 3 to a longer arm 4.

In the form of construction illustrated in v Fig. 9 the arms 3 and 4 are connected by a resilient intermediate part 10, the resiliency being arranged either in the sense of the closing movement or of the opening movement of the bag. If the resilient intermediate elements tend to close the bag arrangements must be provided for holding the bag in a certain opened position. This may for example be effected by providing a catch 1- on the arms 4, into which catch the counter arm 3 snaps ansl thus holds the bag in open position (Fig. 10

In the form of construction illustrated in Fig. 11 the arm 4 is widened in band-shape and the rod-shaped counter arm 3 connected thereto by a hinge 5, the arm 3 being slidable in a slot 4 in the arm 4 and can snap into a notch 4 in closing position.

The new frame may also be constructed for bags of two or more parts; Fig. 12 shows such a construction for a two-part bag. In this instance the two arms 3 and 4 with their connecting bars 6 are hinged to a middle frame part at 17. This middle frame part 1,se1,asa

consists of a web 19 which preferably projects slightly above the webs 6 and can form a handle, and of two arms 16. The frame parts 16' may consist of a wide metal band which is slotted in the middle, the arms 3 and 4 sliding in this slot. This wide band-shaped middle part serves; for reinforcing the bag and it may be engraved or chased for decoration.

In 7 the forms of. construction above described the clamping effect during the closing of the bag occurs on the arms of the frame proper. It is evident however that the arrangement may be such that the webs 6 resiliently engage the one over the other in closed position and thus clamp. The frame web may also be provided with a fastening gvhich automatically. closes when closing the In the case of resilient connection of the frame parts it is evident that the entire frame in all the forms of construction described may be made together with the arms and webs and any middle parts of a single suitably shaped resilient element. Articles provided with frame members made in accordance with the invention are strong, light, readily opened and closed, free. from projecting snaps or movable fastenings, and securely held closed against accidental opening as when dropped or struck.

I claim 1. A portable receptacle including a bag and a frame therefor, said bag having side walls and externally concave gussets at the ends of the bag, said side walls and gussets having reinforcing seam portions inter-connecting the same along the ends of the side walls, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of'each set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said arms for moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said receptacle, said arms having portions resiliently engaging each other and being disengageable by said pressure, each set of said arms being positioned within the concave space of a gusset externally. ofthe bag and in proximity to adjacent reinforcing seams, whereby said pressure is exerted through said side walls and adjacent portions of the gussets in proximity to said reinforcing seams.

2. A holder having openable and closable sides with openable end edges at least at one end edge thereof, said edges being movable toward each other to some extent at least when the holder is in a closed condition for opening the holder, said edges overlying two elemental portions of two rods with the elemental portions movable toward, each other, said rods crossing each other in such manner that each respective rod engages the top edge of the opposite side of the holder, said rods beyond the aforesaid elemental portions to- 'ward the bottom of the holder being engaged with each other by a pivotal connection and said rods being so located as to be unobstructed in their movement by the contents of the holder.

3. A holder having a metal frame and a front and back cover portions of flexible ma- ,to permit of ready manipulation thereof terial openable and closable about the bottom edge, said frame comprising complementary bow shaped members hinged together at their extremities and crossingintermediate their ends, -the middle portions of said members being secured to the top edge of opposite cover portions, respectively, the crossing por.

tions interengaging to retain .the frame closed position bysnap action, and said crossing portions being .accessibly disposed between the side edges of said cover portiolns y manual pressure applied thereto. i

4. As a means .for relatively shifting the opposite side walls of a holder between open and closed positions by pressure exerted in the same direction on such side walls, a pair of arms hingedly connected at one end and each having the opposite end adapted to be secured to a side wall adjacent the top of the latter, each arm having a configuration such that the arms when in the closed position 'of the holder will present the arms as crossed adjacent such secured ends, the assembly being such that when the arms are secured to the side walls the crossing point will be shifted toward the hinge connection during opening movement of the holder, the arms 'carrying relative formations such that when the holder is in closed position the formations will retain the holder closed, said formations being rendered inactive by movement of the arms to open the holder and rendered active by movement of the armsto closed position.

5. A holder having openable and closable sides, a frame structure between the sides including a central inverted U-shaped frame,

a pair of lateral inverted U-shaped frames hingedly-connected at their lower ends to thelower ends of the side portions of the central frame and the side portions of the lateralframes crossing each other with the upper end of each lateral frame attached respectively to a side of the holder adjacent the side portion of the opposite lateral frame.

6. A portable receptacle including a bag" and a frame therefor, said bag having side walls and externally. concave gussets at the ends of the bag, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed arms for moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said receptacle said crossed arms having portions resiliently engaging each other and being disenga'geable by said pressure, each set of said arms being positioned within a concave space externall of the bag, whereby said pressure is exerte through sald side walls.

7. A portable receptacle including a bag and a frame therefor, said baghavmg side walls and externa'llyconcave ussets at the ends of the. bag, said frame having means including aplurality of sets of arms, the

arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on sald set of crossed arms for moving the same toward each other v causes-an opening movement/of said receptacle, said crossed arms having portions resihently engaging each other and being" disengageable bysaid pressure, each set of said arms being positioned within a concave space externally of the bag, whereby said pressure is .exerted through said side walls, and said arms substantially following the contour of the side walls of the'ba'g.

8. A portable receptacle includin a bag and a frame therefor, said bag havmg side walls and-externally concave gussets at the ends of'the bag,- said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed arms for moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said recepta ,cle, each set of -sa1d arms belng positioned active during closing movementto retain the frame members in closedcondition.

10. A-frame for handbags and other containers-including a pair of frame members, each having a pair of side-arms and a bar connecting corresponding ends of the arms,

the free ends of the arms of one frame member being movably connected to the free ends of the arms of the other frame member, the frame members being of a configuration to present the side arms of'the frame members in crossed relation when the bars are in abutting relation, and separable connections between the arms to retain them in crossed relation by snap action operative upon closing of the frame members.

11. A frame for a container of the character described comprising complementary bow shaped members pivoted together at their extremities and having their middle portions in juxtaposition with their ends spaced to permit one member to pass between the other, the end portions at each end crossing between the adjacent pivot and middle portion, and provided with notches at the crossing point in closed position to retain said members in closed position by snap aodirection.

tion.

12. A device for holding closed the opening of a receptacle and for manipulating the same comprising a pair of elements for association with the walls of the receptacle and having provision for attaching them near one end adjacent the opening therein, said members in the closed position of the parts end adjacent the opening therein, said members in the closed position of the parts being crossed between their ends and presenting opposed body portions inwardly of the crossing thereof, and being substantially rigid in the plane of the crossing whereby they may be manipulated by pressure, said members being laterally resiliently yieldable and having opposed faces shaped to contact at the crossing to hold the parts closed and to bear on each other with reduced pressure after release at the crossing during opening movement.

14. A holder having sides openable and closable in such manner as to change their angular relation to each other, two frame members angularly movable withrespect to each other having portions crossing each other, a portion of one frame member being anchored to one edge portion of the holder and a portion of the other frame member being anchored to the other edge portion of the holder, the crossing portions of the two frame members being intermediate the mouth edges of the holder and'the bottom of the holder, at least a portion of one frame member intermediate the crossing portions and the bottom of the holder being exposed to the action of finger pressure in a direction toward the other frame member, the said frame members being so located as to be unobstructed in their movements by the contents of the holder.

15. A frame for a container of the character described comprising two bow-shaped members, each member having a middle portion and two end portions, the end portions at a point remote from the aforesaid middle portions having connecting means to provide for relative angular movement, said end portions crossing each other between the middle portion and the aforesaid means, one end portion at a crossing point being provided with means adapted. to come into engagin and holdin relationto the juxtaposed en portion as t ey approach said crossing point and releasable by movement in the opposite 16. A holder having a frame and-front and back cover portions openable and closable about'the bottom edge and presenting a mouth portion, said frame comprising complementary bow-shaped members having crossed end portions hinged together adjacent to their extremities, the middle portions of said members, each being secured tothe top edge of the opposite cover portion respectively, and

said holder when in closed position having the reatest distance between adjacent end portions in proximity to thepoints of connection and also having the middle portion of one frame member substantially aligned with the wider'parts of the end portions of the op-. posite frame member with both middle and end portions generally coincident with the planes of the front and back cover portions.

17. A portable receptacle including a holder and a'frame therefor, said holder having side walls, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other and being exposed at the end of the holder so that pressureexerted on said set of crossed arms for movmg the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said holder,

said crossed arms having portions resiliently I engaging each other and being disengageable by said pressure, and each set of arms being so located as to be unobstructed in their movements by the contents of the holder.

, 18. A portable receptacle including a hold-- er and a frame therefor, said holder having side walls, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of.

at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed armsfor moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said holder, said frames having resilient catch means and being disengageable by said pressure, each set of said arms being so located as to be unobstructed in their movements by the contents ,of the holder and said arms substantially following the contour of the side walls of the holder. I

19. A portable receptacle includjn a holder and a frame therefor, said holder av- 111g side walls, said-frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed arms for moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said holder, each set of arms being positioned in a zone removed from the containing area of the holder and between the side walls, and said pressureholder and a frame therefor, said holder having side walls, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed arms for moving the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said holder, each set of arms being positioned in a zone removed from the containing area of the holder and between the side Walls, and hinge means constructed and arranged for loosely connecting said crossed arms thereby permitting free pivotal movement of said arms toward and away from each other.

21. A portable receptacle includin a holder and a frame therefor, said holder aving side walls, said frame having means including a plurality of sets of arms, the arms of at least one set crossing each other so that pressure exerted on said set of crossed arms for moving'the same toward each other causes an opening movement of said holder, each set of arms being positioned in a zone removed from the containing area of the holder and between the side walls, hinge means constructed and arranged for loosely connecting said crossed arms thereby permitting free pivotal movement of said arms toward and away from each other, and fastening means carried by said arms and providing the sole means for holding said arms in a given position.

22. A frame for a container of the character described, comprising complementary bow-shaped members having portions intermediate of their ends forming a closure for the container with their end portions connected at a point remote from the middle portions so as to provide angular movement with respect to each other and spaced topermit the end portions of'one member to pass the end portions of the other frame member,

the end portions at each end crossing between the adjacent connection and middle portion, one of said bow-shaped members having fastening means becoming active uponmovement to some crossing-point to engage and hold the other bow-shaped member, and releasable upon movement in the other direction.

23. A holder having sides openable and closable in such manner as to change their angular relation to each other, two frame members angularly movable with respect to each other having portions crossing each other, a portion of one frame member being anchored to one edge portion of the holder and a portion of the other frame member being anchored to the other edgeportion of the holder, the crossing portions ofthe two frame members being intermediate the mouth edge of the holder and the bottom of the holder, at least'a portion of one frame member intermediate the crossing portionsand the bottom of the holder being exposed to the ac- 24. A holder having sides openable and closable in such manner as to change their angular relation to each other, two frame members angularly movable with respect to each other having portions crossing each other, a portion of one frame member belng anchored to one edge portion of the holder and a portion of the other frame member being anchored to the other edge portion of the holder, the crossing portions of the two frame members being intermediate the mouth edges of the holder and the bottom of the holder, at least a portion of one frame member intermediate the crossing portions and the bottom of the holder being exposed to the action of finger pressure in a direction toward the other frame member, the said frame members being so located as to be unobstructed in their movements by the contents of the holder, said frame members being pivotally connected at their lower ends and the sides of the holder being openable by such pressure applied on the crossed portions between the crossing point and pivotal connection and closable by such pressure in the same direction at the opposite side of the crossing point.

25. A holder having a frame and front an back cover portions openable and closable about the bottom edge and presenting a I mouth portion, said frame comprising complementary bow-shaped members having portions intermediate of their ends forming a closure for the container with their end portions connected at points remote from the middle portions so as to provide angular movement with respect to each other and spaced to permit the end portions of one member to pass the end portions of the other frame member, the end portions of each end crossing between the adjacent connection and tions adjacent to the point of connection and the outer edge of the mouth of the holder.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

LEO PAWLICEK. 

